Waterton Park Hotel in Wakefield, England

Waterton Park Hotel sits within a 26-acre lake estate with its main building on a private island. The spa occupies the historic Walton Hall on the island and offers a steam room, sauna, indoor swimming pool, and six outdoor hot tubs with lake views. Guests also have access to a fitness centre, a hot tub/Jacuzzi, and a range of spa treatments including facials, body scrubs, and massage therapies.

Bedrooms are divided between the island's Walton Hall and the mainland's Waterton Park Hotel, with pet-friendly rooms available only on the mainland. The Hideaway cottage provides a private option for families or couples seeking extra space. All rooms include a private bathroom, satellite TV, a work desk, and tea and coffee making facilities.

The Grand Cafe, located on the mainland, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner using locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The restaurant menu includes options like ham terrine, lamb, and sticky toffee pudding, plus lighter choices such as tapas and freshly made pizzas. Special diet menus can be arranged, and the hotel also hosts themed events like Murder Mystery nights with a three-course meal.

The hotel is set in West Yorkshire countryside, a 10-minute drive from the M1 motorway and 30 minutes from Leeds and Sheffield city centres. Guests can visit The Hepworth Wakefield art gallery, Wakefield Museum, and the city centre shops and entertainment. The Peak District National Park is a 40-minute drive away, and the neighbouring Waterton Park Golf Club allows hotel guests to book tee times.

Families can book the Hideaway cottage, which sleeps up to four in multiple bedrooms with a living area and fairy-lit ceiling. The hotel welcomes pets in designated dog-friendly rooms on the mainland, with easy access to nature trails around the lake. Children have access to the pool during family swim times, and the hotel provides high chairs and kids' meal options in the restaurant.

Location: Private island on a 26-acre lake, 10 min from M1

Rooms: Island Walton Hall rooms and mainland Hideaway cottage

Dining: Grand Cafe with locally sourced menus and themed dinner events

Wellness: Spa with six outdoor hot tubs, steam room, sauna, and treatment rooms

Pet policy: Designated dog-friendly rooms on the mainland

Spa access: 3-hour sessions for hotel guests with optional outdoor hot tubs